Mixer module with ambient filter element, stowage area with a mixer module, vehicle comprising a stowage area and method for installing a mixer module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft mixing systems are bulky due to separate intake lines and require additional insulation and soundproofing, making them less compact and more complex.

Innovation Solution

A compact mixer assembly with a layered structure where the intermediate space between the mixing chamber wall and casing serves as thermal insulation, and an external filter element provides noise protection, eliminating the need for additional insulation and soundproofing, while allowing for easy filter replacement and installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate intake lines are used in conventional mixing systems, then air can be supplied to the mixing chamber, but the system becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the intake lines and filter elements directly into the mixing chamber structure. The filter elements are integrated into the chamber walls, eliminating the need for separate intake line assemblies. This merging of components reduces system complexity and bulkiness while maintaining the air supply function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing chamber structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the mixing chamber, contains integrated filter elements for air filtration, and provides thermal insulation through its wall structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation components and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If additional insulation elements are added to the mixing chamber, then thermal insulation is improved, but the system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmixer assembly size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing chamber walls are designed to serve dual purposes: structural containment and thermal insulation. The walls incorporate insulating properties directly into their construction, eliminating the need for additional separate insulation elements. This maintains compact dimensions while providing adequate thermal insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate soundproofing measures are implemented, then noise protection is improved, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing chamber structure integrates sound-absorbing properties into its wall construction, serving both structural and acoustic functions simultaneously. The same walls that contain the mixing process also provide noise attenuation, eliminating the need for separate soundproofing layers or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If filter elements are arranged inside the mixing chamber, then they are protected, but they are difficult to access for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter protectionVSAvoidfilter replacement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter elements are nested within the mixing chamber structure but arranged to be accessible through openings or access points in the chamber walls. This allows the filters to be protected within the chamber while remaining reachable for maintenance and replacement without dismantling the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in a compact, efficient, and easily installable mixer assembly that reduces size and complexity, ensuring even air recirculation and effective noise protection without additional insulation or soundproofing measures.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate space between the mixing chamber wall and the casing assumes the function of thermal insulation of the mixing chamber. Thermal insulation from the surroundings of the mixing chamber is achieved solely by the two-shell structure, but also by the usually warmer fluid that can flow through the intermediate space.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The external filter element absorbs sound from both the intermediate space and the mixing chamber, which means that no additional soundproofing measures are required.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3599169B1Mixer module with ambient filter element, stowage area with a mixer module, vehicle comprising a stowage area and method for installing a mixer module
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3599169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3599169B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3599169B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a mixer assembly for mixing two air streams in a ventilation system. The mixer assembly comprises a mixing chamber, which includes an inlet and an outlet, and a mixing chamber wall that delimits the mixing chamber, as well as a casing that at least partially surrounds the mixing chamber wall. The casing forms and delimits a space between the mixing chamber wall and the casing. The mixer assembly further comprises a filter element that fluidically connects the space to the surroundings of the mixer assembly, wherein the space is fluidically connected to the mixing chamber. Fluid can thus flow through the filter element into the space and further into the mixing chamber. A storage compartment with a mixer assembly, an aircraft with such a storage compartment, and a method for manufacturing a mixer assembly in an aircraft are also described.